Samsung plans to remove the 3.5mm headphone jack in all models; Chinese OEMs also plan to start with selected models. Sincelightning is Apple's proprietary technology, non-Apple OEMs can only switch to the USB Type C port. Our checks also suggest that Apple has no near-term plans to switch from Lightning port to USB Type C. The benefit of Apple staying with lightning is that all third partymanufacturers will need to pay Apple for the license if they want to sell products that connect to a lightning port, i.e., M Fi (Made foriPhone) certification.

Some consumers have complained that the removal of the 3.5mm jack means they are now unable to listen to music with headphoneswhile charging (without another adapter). We believe Apple intends to steer users away from cables, i.e., going for wireless headphones, though our check suggests Apple probably won't attach inbox wireless earpods soon due to the high price. Instead, Apple introduced AirPods in the after-market along with the iPhone7.